Diabetes and Me – Part II

Following on from my last blog on Diabetes I’d like to share with you some key information that may help you to better support your service users who have Diabetes.

How can care settings support service users with Diabetes?

Research from Diabetes UK indicates that Diabetes is known to double the risk of admission to a care home and may account for up to one in four service users in a care setting. Residents with Diabetes have an increased risk of disability, pressure sore development, and hospital re-admission.

There is nothing that can be done to prevent Type 1 Diabetes. However, Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and having an active lifestyle.

Care settings should aim to:

Maintain the highest degree of quality of life and well-being without subjecting service users to unnecessary and inappropriate medical and therapeutic interventions

Provide sufficient support and opportunity to enable residents to manage their own Diabetes where this is a feasible and worthwhile option

Ensure that residents with Diabetes have individualised Diabetes care and that follow-up specialist care is easily available depending on clinical need

Healthy Eating: - Provide a well-balanced individualised dietary plan which is compatible with nutritional well-being and maintenance of body weight.

Grill, poach, steam, or bake food instead of frying

Introduce foods high in fibre such as whole grain bread and cereals, lentils and beans, vegetables, and fruit

Choose skimmed or semi-skimmed milk and low-fat yoghurts, this can be instead of cream and full-fat milk

Physical Activity: - Regular exercise is highly recommended for most of the population. However, in those suffering from Type 2 Diabetes or even at risk of Type 2 Diabetes it will help to improve blood glucose control. Combined with healthy eating and portion size control, it will also help people to lose weight. Below are some things you can support or encourage your service users to do:

Walk up the stairs if you have any rather than taking the lift

Walk frequently around the home and outside

If out on a day trip or a visit then perhaps stop the vehicle short of the destination, get off and walk the rest of the journey

Involve service users in any regular physical activity or if possible and practical even involve them in some daily chores in the home

If practical and possible regular swimming or going to the gym is also a good form of exercise

Weight Loss: - Losing weight (if diagnosed as being overweight/obese) will also help to control and prevent Diabetes. Losing weight gradually has many health benefits. Below are some examples of how you can support this:

Check weight and waist measurements periodically

Contact your dietitian/pharmacist and seek support and advice on the best way you can support your service users to lose weight

Finally, Diabetes UK has suggested the 15 healthcare essentials as the minimum level of healthcare that everyone with Diabetes deserves and should expect:

Different people respond in different ways when newly diagnosed with Diabetes, so it’s important that as carers you respond and look out for signs from your service users that may indicate they need help and even emotional support during this difficult period for them. Similarly, it may be something new for you to deal with. Speak with your care setting manager on what support is out there and speak with the GP(s)/Nurses and Pharmacist assigned to your care setting on any professional support they may be able to offer.

Hasnain Hassam is a qualified pharmacist with over 23 years’ experience. He comes to QCS from a long career at The Boots Company, where he’s worked since he qualified. During his time at The Boots Company he has held several senior management roles including Area Pharmacy Manager, Healthcare Development Manager, and most recently Regional Care Services Pharmacist. Read more